German discounters launch ambitious plastic recycling targets

March 14th, 2018

Aldi had pledged to make 100 per cent of packaging on its own-label products in Ireland recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2022.

The decision follows Aldi’s Irish and UK operations plan to reduce its packaging and plastics over the coming decade. The retailer is committed to reducing all product packaging by 50 per cent over the next seven years.

About 90 per cent of the products sold at Aldi stores is either private label or Aldi own-brands. The company says that it has sent no waste to landfills since 2014, and banned microbeads and microplastics from products in 2015.

Aldi hopes to keep track of progress made by publishing annual packaging and plastics report each spring.

“Our customers trust us not only to offer them high-quality products at unbeatable prices but to help them lead healthier better lives,” said Group Managing Director at Aldi Ireland, Giles Hurley.

He added: “That includes reducing waste, particularly around unnecessary packaging and plastics that damage the environment we live in.”